Earnhardt deal could put Team Target in pole position

The opportunity for Target to expand its presence in NASCAR, a sport wildly popular with the chain’s mass market consumer, came last week when its stock-car partner Chip Ganassi Racing announced the launch of a new team. In a deal short on details but long in significance, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Inc. and Dale Earnhardt Inc. combined forces for the creation of a new four-car team beginning in 2009. According to published statements, as part of the team Martin Truex Jr. and Juan Pablo Montoya will drive the Nos. 1 and 42 respectively and future star Aric Almirola will be behind the wheel of the No. 8. The driver of the No. 41 will be named in the near future.

The deal not only brings together two of the biggest names in motorsports Earnhardt and Ganassi — but it also opens the door for Target to associate itself with one of the most revered racers of all times, Dale Earnhardt.  (Chip Ganassi joined forces with the retailer back in 1990 for the launch of Ganassi’s one-car IndyCar team.  In 2001, Target expanded its support of the effort by becoming the sponsor of the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates No. 41 Target Dodge in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS).)

"In this ultra-competitive era of NASCAR, it is necessary to build and sustain the strongest team possible and our combining with the people and equipment at Dale Earnhardt Inc. will help create a strong four-car program for years to come," said Chip Ganassi. "This is a win-win for both organizations as well as all of our partners."